Edgar: Just Say No to Special Election

December 15, 2008

Illinois legislative leaders are gathering in Springfield today, with their eyes on the future. That could include plans for a special election to fill the state's vacant U.S. Senate seat. Not everyone thinks a special election is the way to go.

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar says the last thing the state needs right now is another partisan political battle.

EDGAR: I would much rather see that some, I don't...blue ribbon committee or something come together and try to come up with a name of someone maybe who just would serve two years even and try to take this out of the political realm quickly.

Edgar says the federal corruption charges against Governor Rod Blagojevich have created a crisis for the state. And lawmakers shouldn't be distracted by an election.

Congressman Bobby Rush of Chicago also likes the idea of a blue ribbon panel. In a letter to state leaders, Rush says Blagojevich should not get to fill the senate seat, as allowed by the state constitution. Rush says he's asking legal experts to come up with an appointment system people in Illinois can trust.